Hambleton sporting heroes honoured at awards

Seven individuals and five teams were honoured last night at Hambleton’s annual sports awards.

Over 120 people attended the event and were entertained by Kate Fox, a northern stand up poet, comedian and frequent contributor to BBC Radio 4, with her  poems –  ‘You don’t look like a runner’ and  ‘Female bodyguard’ and ended the evening with a special poem about all of the nominees and winners!

The guest of honour was GB long jumper and three times Olympian and British record holder, Chris Tomlinson from Middlesbrough who gave the audience an inspiring speech –  ‘My Life in Sport’.

“These awards really serve to celebrate those dedicated performers, coaches and volunteers that we are honoured to have in our district who so often go unnoticed,” said Council Mrs Bridget Fortune, Portfolio Holder for Customer and Leisure Services, who hosted the event.

“It was a very emotional night with laughter mixed with tears and it was very moving to see how much the awards meant to the recipients. And Chris Tomlinson’s words certainly left everyone motivated and determined,” added Chairman, Councillor Stephen Dickins who is pictured with some of the winners.

Organised by Hambleton District Council with support from North Yorkshire Sport, awards went  to:

• Junior Sportswoman of the Year: Jenna Flintoff from Helperby (general all rounder)
• Junior Sportsman of the Year: Jack Pullan from Northallerton (Karate)
• Sportsperson of the Year: Daniel Reed from Hutton Rudby (Table Tennis)
• Disabled Sportsperson of the Year: Chloe Hunt from Sowerby (Gymnastics)
• Senior Team of the Year: Northallerton Rugby Union Football Club
• Junior Team of the Year: Thirsk Hockey Under 10 Girls Team
• Coach of the Year: Jordan Aspinall from Bedale (womens Football)
• Community Sports Project of the Year: Thirsk Bowmen and Easingwold Golf Club
• School Sporting Achievement: Mount Grace Federation
• Outstanding Voluntary Contribution Award: Arnold Fewell from Northallerton who has worked with Thirsk Bowmen and changed the ethos of the club to one that is totally inclusive of all abilities.
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Nicholas Bainbridge ‘Tank’ from Northallerton who has been a member of Northallerton Rugby Club since 1985 having played over 600 games for the first team. He also gives his support to all the training sessions, has been groundsman and is heavily involved in the social side of the club.